It is probable that Birmingham have had their hand forced by agitation from outside of the club but the fact remains they have kept one of the most important pieces of Gary Rowett’s jigsaw.

Donaldson took his first season in the Championship in his leggy stride last term, impressing everyone with his work ethic and willingness to run for the team.

His goal return of 16 was also impressive and for a while it looked as though he would become the first Blues striker for two decades to break the 20 mark.

He didn’t quite get there but he still swept the board at the end of season awards - and pleasingly he will have the opportunity to do so again for the next three summers.

The news ends a gratifying week for Rowett who, whatever troubles he has had extricating Robert Tesche from Nottingham Forest’s clutches, has seen two key players commit to the cause.

On Tuesday crown jewel Demarai Gray signed up for another three years and if Birmingham’s off-season recruitment hasn’t been spectacular, the fact their squad has not been asset-stripped represents a significant step forward.